AB Contern won a tight semifinal decider at Sparta Bertrange, 70-64, and took the best-of-3 series 2-1 to qualify for the finals. For a game that ended close, the first three quarters were largely controlled by Fabienne Fuger's team.
Contern set the tone early with an 8-0 response after Sparta's opening basket and led 18-12 after one quarter. The away side then created the first major break in the second period, moving from 23-31 to 23-38 with 7 unanswered points. The key stretch came across halftime: from 23-31, Contern produced a 14-1 surge to reach 24-45, then pushed the margin to its highest point at 59-36 late in the third quarter.
Sparta, coached by Mike Feyder, answered with a strong last period. Jordan Alexis King (Season PPG: 21.63, RPG: 7.29, AssPG: 4.42) was spectacular, scoring 35 points and opening the fourth with 11 straight Sparta points as her team cut 38-59 to 52-59. Later, Sparta got as close as 61-66, but Contern stayed calm and closed with 4 consecutive free throws.
King was the game MVP and shot 7/13 from 2-point range and 7/19 from 3, carrying the comeback. Bridget Yoerger (Season PPG: 7.90, RPG: 9.00, AssPG: 2.75) added 8 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists, while Nicole Torresani, only 18, contributed 11 points.
Contern had better balance. Stefanie Grace Kulesza (Season PPG: 20.00, RPG: 10.25, AssPG: 2.88) posted 21 points and 10 rebounds, with excellent 4/4 free throws and excellent 3/5 from long range. Caileigh Ann Walsh (Season PPG: 23.57, RPG: 8.71, AssPG: 2.50) added 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals. Claire Lavandier scored 12, while Ana Petrova and Nadine Bourg each had 10.
The statistical edges were important: Contern shot an excellent 10/10 on free throws, won rebounds 34-29, and forced 15 Sparta turnovers while committing only 7 themselves. Sparta did shoot a good 51% from 2-point range, but 7/33 from 3 and 7/13 from the line left the comeback incomplete.
(AI generated)